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DL risers and sliders: Barkevious Mingo moving up

INDIANAPOLIS -- The defensive linemen took to the field Monday at the NFL scouting combine, and scouts were impressed with the athleticism of the group. Gone are the days of sloppy prospects who rumble around

INDIANAPOLIS -- The defensive linemen took to the field Monday at the NFL scouting combine, and scouts were impressed with the athleticism of the group. Gone are the days of sloppy prospects who rumble around the field. Rather, teams witnessed versatile defenders with well-developed skills.

Here are the defensive line risers and sliders from the workout:

Risers

Barkevious Mingo, LSU: NFL teams were disappointed in Mingo's play last season, but his combine workout underscores why he's so highly ranked. His results, which included 4.58 seconds in the 40, a 37-inch vertical jump and a broad jump of 10-feet, 8-inches, ranked with the best of the group. During drills, he displayed his athleticism and quickly moved around the field, practicing with balance and flexibility. Mingo was run through a battery of linebacker drills, with many teams projecting him on the outside in a 3-4 alignment, and he was flawless. He effortlessly moved in reverse, displaying an ability to get depth on pass drops, then exploded up the field. Mingo has been all over draft boards the past two months, but his performance at the combine should cement him as a top-eight selection.

Dion Jordan, Oregon: He rolled the dice, choosing to delay shoulder surgery until after his combine workout, and he came out a big winner. His 40 time of 4.60 seconds and broad jump, which measured 10-feet, 2-inches, were top five marks at the position. He practiced fast and looked incredibly athletic in all drills. Quick-footed, Jordan showed tremendous movement skills during defensive line and linebacker exercises. He looked natural during coverage drills and displayed speed in every direction. If the shoulder injury does not red-flag Jordan, the performance will push him into the draft's initial 10 selections.

Ezekiel Ansah, BYU: The fast-rising prospect from Ghana ran 4.63 in the 40, including a swift 10-yard spilt of 1.64. He looked just as quick and fast during position drills, easily changing direction, then speeding off in any direction. He was a bit shaky during linebacker drills, which will disappoint the 3-4 teams hoping to stand Ansah over tackle, but he's proving himself worthy of a top-15 pick in the draft.

Shariff Floyd, Florida: Floyd, at 6-3 and 297 pounds, looked more like an athletic tight end than a defensive tackle. He easily changed direction in drills and showed exceptional movement skills and quickness for a wide-bodied tackle. His 40 time of 4.92 seconds also impressed scouts. With barely two months before draft day, Floyd looks like he'll be first defensive tackle off the board.

Sheldon Richardson, Missouri: Richardson is another who looked incredibly athletic for a big man. The 294-pound tackle ran 5.02 in the 40, then displayed amazing explosion and power during drills. He was fast as a pass rusher and knocked people off their feet with violent hand punch during bag drills. Richardson has been ascending draft boards since September and now projects as a legitimate top-12 selection.

Sylvester Williams, North Carolina: Williams proved himself to be the best nose tackle prospect at the combine, and he impressed with his versatility. He timed 5.03 seconds in the 40 at 313 pounds. His ability to move laterally during drills and show a small burst of speed, which he turned on in one step, was eye-catching. Williams' size and athleticism will secure his place in the early part of round two.

Margus Hunt, SMU: The champion discus-thrower looked imposing on the field, showing an impressive combination of speed and strength. He moved his 6-8, 277-pound frame across the 40 yards in 4.60 seconds. His 38-repetitions on the bench press tied for the best mark of the defensive line group. During drills, he looked smooth and nimble. Hunt must now translate those athletic skills into consistent football production, but scouts are excited about his potential.

Nick Williams, Samford: Williams was the top small-school performer of the day. At 309 pounds, he ran 4.94 in the 40, posted a vertical jump of 33 inches and a broad jump of 9 feet, 3 inches. Scouts were impressed with the way Williams effortlessly moved around the field and easily changed direction during drills. He's now getting middle-round consideration by teams who feel Williams can line up in a variety of defensive schemes.

Trevardo Williams, Connecticut: Williams' testing numbers are worthy of mention and he presented himself as one of the better athletes. His 40 time of 4.57 seconds, vertical jump of 38 inches and broad jump of 10 feet, 4 inches, were solid.

Sliders

Demontre Moore, Texas A&M: Ouch! Moore is universally accepted as a top-ten selection, but he looked like a free agent prospect. He completed one 40-yard sprint in 4.95 seconds. His second run ended prematurely as Moore pulled up with what seemed to be a hamstring injury. His mark of 12 reps on the bench press Sunday was unacceptable. While Moore still has his pro-day ahead, NFL teams must begin to decide whether he's a poor athlete with limited upside or a Terrell Suggs type of defender who does not test well but plays lights out.

Nate Williams, Ohio State: Williams is projected by most as a 3-4 outside linebacker, but based on the combine results, he may not make it out of camp this summer. He timed 4.88 in the 40 at 241 pounds and completed just 24 reps on the bench. Williams looked stiff during the practice session and was poor in coverage drills.

Notes: Former Florida State defensive star Brandon Jenkins, whose season was cut short after just one game due to a Lisfranc injury in his left foot, participated in drills Monday. Jenkins looked solid, displaying his signature quickness and speed. The better news is Jenkins showed no ill effects from the injury during position drills.